How to Get a Smoky BBQ Flavor Without Using a BBQ

Never miss out on a summer BBQ again.

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It’s summertime, and that means it’s barbecue time. As university students, buying a good barbecue isn’t always an option, but there are a few super easy (and super delicious) things you can do to get the awesome barbecue flavour that we all crave.

Try adding bacon

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Cooking with something like bacon or smoked meats will add a subtle smoky flavour to your food. And, um hello? Who doesn’t want a reason to eat more bacon?

Use beer

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We know that parting with your precious brews only to have the alcohol cooked off is a HUGE sacrifice, but the flavour is worth it. Use a dark beer marinade for a few hours before cooking. Something like Guinness is your best bet. We can add this to the list of things to do with beer, if you were running out of ideas.

Use molasses

Photo by Sarah Stettin

Turns out molasses can be used for more than just grandma’s famous gingersnap cookies. Use a tablespoon or so of molasses in your glazes and marinades – its dark earthy taste makes it a frequently used ingredient in barbecue sauce and perfect for your grill-less grilling.

Don’t forget the smoky spices

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Using a dry spice rub with things like paprika, cumin, ginger, and turmeric before you cook will pack a lot of that good smoky flavour. Or, you could add about a teaspoon of a spice until you reach the level of smokiness that you’re looking for.

If you’re feeling creative, try burnt toast powder

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There is finally something good that comes out of that devastating moment when you discover that your toast is just a little (or a lot) too toasty. This surprising ingredient is made by grinding up your burnt toast in a blender and it’s sure to add a smokey, slightly nutty, flavour to your food. Burnt toast powder isn’t only used for savoury foods, it’s even being used as a topping for ice cream.